Israel launches successful Arrow missile

Israel successfully launched its Arrow anti-missile system Sunday night, in its first night trial, which is capable of intercepting Iranian nuclear weapons.

The test was conducted on the anniversary of the outbreak of the Iranian revolution, but the timing was dependent on weather conditions.

Defense officials said the test, which was conducted for the first time at night and was held less than two weeks after Syria tested an advanced model of its Scud missile. They said it prepares them for being able to “meet future threats to the State of Israel.”

This is Israel’s 15th test of the Arrow. The Israeli Air Force had not fired one previously since December 2005. Two Arrow batteries were tracked with the Patriot battery.

The Defense Ministry said “the purpose of the test was to study the improved operational capabilities of the system, which include expansion of the intercept envelope against future targets that might threaten Israel. In this trial the system was examined in a combined operational configuration of two batteries that were at a geographical distance, while taking into consideration lessons learned in the past. The interceptor, manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries and Boeing, was launched at night, simulating an operational scenario in all its components.”

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